Biofilm Development - Proteus mirabilis

(Figure from Schneider et al. 2002. Detection and mutation of a luxS-encoded autoinducer in Proteus mirabilis. Microbiology 148:773-782.)

Proteus mirabilis forms an interesting monospecific bull’s-eye-patterned biofilm when grown on nutrient agar surfaces. Each cycle of biofilm development may be divided into four parts, (i) swarmer cell differentiation, (ii) the lag period prior to active movement, (iii) swarming colony migration, and (iv) consolidation (where the cells stop moving and de-differentiate to swimmer cell morphology). We are interested in understanding the genetic mechanisms controlling the development of P. mirabilis biofilms, the swarming colony pattern, and how swarming behaviour enhances the survival of these bacteria.